Multi-unit package



Dec. 10, 1963 R. J. STEIN 3,113,673

MULTI-UNIT PACKAGE Filed Jan. 8, 1962 RICHARD J. STE N L d way 133 United States Patent 3,113,673 MULTI-UNIT PACKAGE Richard J. Stein, 147 Brite Ave., Scarsdale, NY. Filed Jan. 8, 1962, Ser. No. 164,806 4 Claims. (Cl. 206-65) This invention relates to an improved multi-unit package and to the method of forming of such a package.

Many commodities are sold in groups or packages of individual, unit containers. Each container is usually designed to protect the contents. Despite the fact that the unit containers (e.g. cigarette packs, cereal containers, and the like) adequately protect the contents, the normal package for multi-unit sales consists of an overwrap. For example, cigarette packages are conventionally sold in groups of ten, and the ten packs are enclosed within a relatively expensive carton. Similarly, cereal packages are often sold in a plurality of mixed or similar containers by wrapping the desired group in a container formed of cardboard and cellophane.

The primary function performed by the cartons is to hold the unit containers together. The protection of the overwrapping is unnecessary and, thus, unnecessarily expensive.

It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide an improved package in which a plurality of containers may be assembled into the desired multi-unit package without an overwrapping or container.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved method for assembling multi-unit packages.

In accordance with these objects, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of this invention a plurality of unit containers arranged in the desired configuration. Between the assembled rows of unit containers, there is positioned a packaging strip or strips of material, such as paper, thin cardboard, plastic fabric or the like, which is coated with an adhesive and to which the individual containers adhere. The adhesives are of such nature to bond the container to the packaging strip and to hold the assembled packages together during shipment and sale. However, each container is easily removed from the strip by the consumer.

To fabricate such assemblies, the individual containers need merely be aligned and the adhesive-coated packaging strip applied thereon. The remaining containers may then be assembled directly upon the packaging strip.

Alternatively, the containers could be aligned in rows, the packaging strip or strips inserted between rows, and the rows closed on the strip. The individual rows may be compressed before assembly to make a tighter, more rigid multi-unit package. The compression applied will determine the package rigidity. Thus, surprisingly rigid multi-unit packages can be assembled on relatively flexible packaging strips.

In this manner, a neat attractive package can be assembled. The advertising on the individual package is exposed to provide desired eye appeal and shopper attraction. The usual carton is eliminated, thus avoiding the added expense of material, manufacturing processes, and shipping costs attributable to the carton.

This invention, along with objects and advantages will be set forth more fully in the following detailed description of the invention which may be more easily understood by reference to the accompanying drawing of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adhesive strip utilized in the package in FIG. 1.

In the figures there is shown a package of individually 3,113,673 Patented Dec. 10, 1963 Wrapped containers 10 which are assembled in parallel rows and held in this position by the intervening adhesive coated packaging strip 12. A plurality of thinner strips may be used in place of one wide strip. Two or more thin strips conserve material, but make assembly more difiicult and the requirements of the application intended will control.

The strip 12 may be fabricated of paper, thin cardboard plastic, fabric, or the like, having the requisite strength to hold the assembled package together. For example, papers such as 27 lb. vegetable parchment, 25 lb. glassine, and 30 lb. kraft are satisfactory. The adhesive 14 on the surface thereof must be compatible with the Wrapping 16 of the individual containers, should provide adequate strength, and should allow removal Without having a sticky deposit on the individual containers. Pressure sensitive, heat sealing, and emulsion type adhesives are among the type satisfactory for such purposes.

For example, if cigarettes are packaged, the adhesive must be of such a type as to provide a bond between the strip 12 and the cellophane wrapping on the individual cigarette packages. For example, pressure sensitive adhesives may be employed, although heat sealing and emulsion type adhesives are also satisfactory.

Formulation of the pressure sensitive adhesives may be as variable as the properties of the packaging strips themselves will permit. The use of solvents which would soften, dissolve, or disfigure the packaging strips should be avoided. In general, pressure sensitive adhesive formula tions such as the following examples are suitable for use with paper or plastic packaging strips.

Where weight units are not specified, parts are given in terms of parts by weight.

Example I Parts Nitrocellulose 35 Flexalyn (diethylene glycol ester of rosin) 45 Plasticizer 2O Solvent To suit Admix nitrocellulose and Flexalyn (a trademark for a product of Hercules Powder Co. being essentially a diethylene glycol ester of rosin acid), then add a plasticizer and enough solvent to give the desired consistency.

Example II Parts Nitrocellulose 35 Flexalyn (diglycol abietate) 45 Dibutyl phthalate 25 It will be noted that the package maintains its shape and is quite rigid due to the interaction of the individual containers, one with the other. Thus, the package has the physical attributes of a carton without the expense of an enclosing carton. As mentioned above, an enclosing carton is seldom necessary for protection of the container, but is used almost entirely for the packaging aspect.

While FIG. 1 has been specifically illustrated to typify a package of cigarettes, it will be understood that it may be equally applicable to packages of cereal, or other boxed merchandise. Also, additional layers may be added, as illustrated by the box 18, in phantom lines, merely by application of another adhesive strip 20 to the already assembled package.

The assembly of such packages is easily accomplished with the packaging strip of the present invention. The packaging strip may be passed through adhesive applying rollers and the unit containers conveyed into physical contact with both sides of the strip. The strip may be then cut to the desired final dimension. Alternatively, precut strips may be used.

This invention may be variously modified and embodied within the scope of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A package comprising a plurality of unit containers, a packaging strip, an adhesive applied to both sides of said strip, said containers being applied to each side of said strip in juxtaposed relation to each other and adhered thereto.

2. A package in accordance With claim 1 which includes a second packaging strip having adhesive on both sides thereof, one side of said strip being adhered to said containers, and a second plurality of containers being adhered to the other side of said strip.

3. A package in accordance with claim 1 in which the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

4. A package conmprising a plurality of unit contain- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,253,313 Warner Ian. 15, 1918 1,571,049 Gatchell Jan. 26, 1926 10 2,911,756 Geary Nov. 10, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 537,852 Great Britain July 9, 1941 552,812 Great Britain Apr. 27, 1943 

1. A PACKAGE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF UNIT CONTAINERS, A PACKAGING STRIP, AN ADHESIVE APPLIED TO BOTH SIDES OF SAID STRIP, SAID CONTAINERS BEING APPLIED TO EACH SIDE OF SAID STRIP IN JUXTAPOSED RELATION TO EACH OTHER AND ADHERED THERETO. 